You’re preparing dinner in your kitchen, and suddenly everything goes dark. After checking the electrical panel, you discover the breaker has tripped and reset it. The circuit breaker trips the next day again, and then the day after that. While it’s tempting to ignore this inconvenience, your electrical system is crying for help. Read on for common causes, solutions, and when to call for expert help.
What a Circuit Breaker Does
Think of circuit breakers as the guard dogs of your home’s electrical system. Circuit breakers interrupt the flow of electricity to a specific area when the current exceeds safe levels. Occasional trips are normal, especially when you plug in two appliances at the same time. However, frequent, persistent trips indicate an underlying, unresolved issue.
Why a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
An electrical panel inspection can determine why one or more circuit breakers trip repeatedly. Although frustrating for homeowners, a tripped breaker means the device is doing its job by preventing wires from overheating and preventing potential problems.
Most homes experience occasional circuit breaker tripping. However, if the frequency increases to once a month or more, you should take precautions.
- Circuit overload, when too many appliances are plugged in
- Short circuit, caused by frayed power cords or loose wires
- Ground faults caused by a hot wire slipping out of place
- Faulty appliances drawing excessive power
- Aging or defective breaker
- Outdated electrical panels
While overloaded circuits are the most common cause, you also need to look at the age of your appliances. Many homeowners don’t realize that a refrigerator or an HVAC unit has started to fail. Ground fault issues occur in bathrooms and kitchens. Old Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets could be the culprit. Outdated wiring and electrical panels can also cause overheating, making circuit breakers shut down when they get too hot.
The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Repeatedly Tripped Circuits
In short, frequently tripping circuit breakers are dangerous. The longer you ignore them, the more severe the issue will become.
- Overheated wires that cause electrical fires
- Damaged appliances caused by current and voltage fluctuations
- Arcing and electrical shock hazards
- Physical damage electrical system failure
Scheduling electrical repair services before the issue becomes widespread will save money as well as save your home.
When Does a Tripping Breaker Pose an Emergency?
Circuit breakers require replacement if they show visible signs of wear, the switch feels loose, or the switch has difficulty moving to the “on” position. These situations don’t indicate serious emergencies, but others do.
- Electrical panel feels hot to the touch
- Burning smell or smoke near the panel or outlets
- Scorch marks, discoloration, or melting
- Audible buzzing, hissing, or crackling
- Breaker trips immediately when reset
Why You Need a Reliable Electrical Company to Remedy Circuit Breaker Issues
Circuit breaker issues are not a task for a weekend handyman. Electrical work is risky for homeowners due to the possibility of electric shock and fire. You could suffer severe injury or even death. However, beyond that, you may do the job incorrectly, causing further damage to your electrical system. You could also violate the terms of your home insurance by doing the work on your own.
The best reason for hiring an electrician is that these professionals have the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. Many factors can cause a breaker to trip, and not all are apparent to homeowners, especially when electrical panels are involved. Our professionals can diagnose the source and recommend a suitable solution, whether it’s to upgrade your panel, add circuits, or repair a broken connection.
If you need circuit breaker service, our professionals in Palm Beach, FL, can help. Schedule electrical service with our team at CMi Air Conditioning & Electrical.
